{"id":34,"date":"2026-05-04T20:33:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T20:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peerwellnessspecialiststraining.site\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2026-09-03T21:08:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T21:08:05","slug":"working-with-peers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/?page_id=34","title":{"rendered":"Working with Peers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1IKNV31X5k8Ldz7VofMlx_a2G8267VECN\/view?usp=drive_link\"><strong>Who Are Peers?<\/strong><\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter is-light\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"463\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-51\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/peerwellnessspecialiststraining.site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tolerance-and-understanding-2.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tolerance-and-understanding-2.png 615w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tolerance-and-understanding-2-300x226.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-base-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-104 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-02-at-12.32.47-PM.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-base-background-color has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-custom-color-1-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Peers are trained professionals who use their lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, disability, trauma, or system involvement to support others on similar journeys. Their shared experience builds trust, reduces stigma, and strengthens engagement in services.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f8ec194a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Peer Support Specialists (PSS)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peer Support Specialists support individuals and families through a holistic wellness lens that includes mental, physical, emotional, social, and cultural health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>They often work in:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schools and youth programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workforce and re-entry programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community-based organizations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prevention and early-intervention programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PSS focus on:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Building healthy routines and coping skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoting self-care and resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting life skills and goal setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening community connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging long-term wellness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Peer Wellness Specialists (PWS)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peer Wellness Specialists are individuals with lived experience in mental health and\/or substance use recovery who are trained and certified to provide emotional, social, and practical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-032bac08 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>They typically work in:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Behavioral health agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community health centers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Housing and homelessness programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Youth and family services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery and wellness programs<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-container-content-69bc4bdf wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>PWS focus on:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One-to-one and group peer support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery and wellness planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>System navigation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocacy and self-determination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connection to community resource<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Value of Peers<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\" style=\"min-height:250px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-custom-color-1-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19afc361 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lived Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peers bring firsthand understanding of the challenges and systems their participants are navigating. This lived experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Builds immediate trust and credibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces power imbalances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Normalizes help-seeking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creates culturally responsive support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthens engagement and retention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\" style=\"min-height:183px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#f38e00\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19afc361 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outcomes &amp; Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research and program evaluations consistently show that peer support is associated with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased participation in services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved mental health and wellness outcomes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced crisis service utilization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher program retention rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater participant satisfaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stronger long-term recovery and stability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;min-height:157px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-accent-4-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19afc361 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Workforce Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employing peers strengthens organizations by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expanding service capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving client engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhancing cultural competence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting trauma-informed practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reducing staff burnout through shared responsibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating career pathways for people with lived experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f8ec194a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Practices for Employing Peers<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c78a8484 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiring Considerations<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strong peer programs begin with thoughtful hiring practices, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-04822461 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-04822461 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clear minimum qualifications and certification requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent expectations about lived experience disclosure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inclusive and equitable hiring processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trauma-informed interviews<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attention to support needs and accommodations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Competitive, sustainable wages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded wp-duotone-unset-2 is-style-rounded--1\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"786\" src=\"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_7425-edited-1024x786.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_7425-edited-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_7425-edited-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_7425-edited-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_7425-edited-1536x1179.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_7425-edited-2048x1572.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Role Clarity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-04822461 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear role definition is essential for successful peer integration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Best practices include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Written job descriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defined scope of practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distinction between peer and clinical roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear documentation expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protocols for referrals and escalation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication pathways with supervisors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Workplace Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supportive workplace culture is critical to peer retention and effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthy peer-inclusive workplaces:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Center respect and mutual learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote psychological safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Normalize wellness and boundaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage professional development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address stigma and bias<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include peers in decision-making<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions by Employers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-base-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b15a532f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-de1f0c56 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong>What Is the Scope of Practice for Peers?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Peers provide non-clinical, relationship-based support grounded in shared experience. They may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Offer emotional support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share recovery strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help navigate systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support goal setting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitate groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect participants to resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>They do not:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make clinical assessments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diagnose conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prescribe treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong>How Do Boundaries and Ethics Work?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Peers follow established ethical standards and professional guidelines, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reporting safety concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintaining confidentiality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding dual relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practicing appropriate self-disclosure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respecting participant autonomy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using supervision appropriately<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong>What Are Supervision Expectations?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Effective peer supervision is essential and should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regular one-to-one supervision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to trained peer supervisors when possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supportive (not punitive) feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wellness check-ins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Case consultation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional development planning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Supervisors should understand peer roles and avoid applying purely clinical management models.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-34684798 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d9bf8184 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5a8e49e6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-asterisk\">resources<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-asterisk\">Downloadable: <a href=\"https:\/\/PRV529_0620_Certification_Instructions_PWS.docx\">Peer Employment 101 PDF <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/pacificsource.com\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-01\/MCD187_1022_v2_OHAAPPROVED11162022_THW%20Mental%20%26amp%3B%20Behavioral%20Health%20Flier_0.pdf\">How a Peer Can Help You! PDF<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who Are Peers? Peer Support Specialists (PSS) Peer Support Specialists support individuals and families through a holistic wellness lens that includes mental, physical, emotional, social, and cultural health. They often work in: PSS focus on: Peer Wellness Specialists (PWS) Peer Wellness Specialists are individuals with lived experience in mental health and\/or substance use recovery who [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-34","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":127,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34\/revisions\/127"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}